What was supposed to be an ordinary afternoon at a middle school in Berwyn, Illinois, turned into a horrific scene when an armed man opened fire outside the compound, killing his wife and her mother before taking his own life.
Authorities identified the gunman as 54-year-old Steven Lee, who drove to the school armed with a rifle at around 4 p.m. His wife, 46-year-old Nerissa Lee, served as an assistant principal at the institution.
According to police reports, Nerissa and her mother were seated inside a parked car when Steven Lee suddenly opened fire. Both women sustained fatal injuries before officers could intervene. Moments later, the assailant turned the gun on himself, ending his life.
Law enforcement officials who responded to the emergency described the scene as deeply disturbing. “This is a heartbreaking domestic situation that played out in front of a school community,” one officer remarked.
The shooting has left students, parents, and staff reeling from shock, with grief counselors expected to be deployed to support the school community. Many have expressed disbelief that such violence could erupt in what should have been a safe environment.
Investigators are now working to piece together the events that led to the tragedy. While the motive remains under investigation, the incident underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and gun-related crimes within communities.
Local leaders and community members have called for support for the grieving families while also renewing discussions around school safety and the need for stronger measures to address domestic disputes before they escalate to deadly violence.
